WITH the borough's three Ryman clubs already knocked out of the FA Cup, the borough banner is flown by Thurrock in the competition this weekend.

Hakan Hayrettin's side have just produced two Blue Square South wins to climb off the bottom of the table and it is with some regret that the manager leaves league action for the cup.

"I would have liked to have continued our league run after two wins, but you can't pick and choose," said the boss who knows he can't afford to underestimate Ryman Division One Ware.

In the borough attention focusses on two attractive matches.

Grays will be trying to recitfy their poor home form against Stevenage Borough and former boss Mark Stimson in the Blue Square Premier.

Controversy surrounding the sending off of Jamie Stuart made last Saturday's defeat by York even harder to bear and the club are waiting to see what further consequences follow the breaking of Chris Beardsley's jaw.

However, Grays were the better side at Rushden and Diamonds in midweek and probably deserved more than their draw.

Across the A13, Aveley will play host to Canvey Island in the Ryman Division One.

Manager Dave Spittle will have to toughen up his side's resolves after throwing away two goal leads in two of their last three matches, but there will have been enough in Tuesday's 3-2 defeat at Maldon to give him some confidence.

East Thurrock, having topped the Ryman Premier early in the season, have slipped since but will be looking to stop the rot in a rearranged match at Hastings.

Saturday, September 29. 3pm.

FA Cup Second Qual Round

Ware v Thurrock

Blue Square Premier

Grays Athletic v Stevenage Borough

Ryman Premier League

Hastings United v East Thurrock United

Ryman Division One North

Aveley v Canvey Island

Tuesday, October 2. 7.45pm

Setanta Shield

Cambridge City v Thurrock

Ryman League Cup Second Round

AFC Hornchurch v Tilbury

Dartford v Aveley Margate v East Thurrock United